asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what percentage of pupils are staying on at secondary schools after the leaving age, and for how long.

In January 1977—the latest date for which information is available—28·7 per cent. of pupils aged 16 years remained at secondary schools in England and Wales beyond the compulsory school age. Of these, about 10 per cent. are expected to remain at school for up to one additional year and about 16 per cent. are likely to remain for two years. The small residual is likely to remain for up to three years.